<![CDATA[Small-scale inland fishers depend on river ecosystems for income, food, and livelihoods, yet their sustainability is threatened by ecological degradation and economic uncertainty. This study analyzed livelihood sustainability of small-scale inland fishers in the Klawing River, Central Java, by examining livelihood assets, vulnerability exposure, and adaptive strategies across river zones. Conducted from March to August 2025 in five villages, the study applied a descriptive quantitative approach with qualitative support using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF). Data were collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, and structured questionnaires involving 31 fishers selected purposively. Livelihood sustainability was assessed using the Sustainable Livelihood Index (SLI), an equal-weighted composite index of five capitals: human, natural, physical, financial, and social. Each capital was operationalized into measurable indicators and scored using a three-level ordinal scale, where higher scores indicated more favorable conditions. Results showed moderate livelihood sustainability, with an SLI score of 2.12. Social capital was the strongest asset (2.42), followed by physical capital (2.32), human capital (2.13), natural capital (1.88), and financial capital (1.85). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference in overall SLI among zones (p = 0.527), but social capital differed significantly (p = 0.002), with the downstream zone scoring highest. Main vulnerabilities included declining fish stocks, floods, pollution, sedimentation, habitat degradation, limited capital access, and seasonal income fluctuations. Fishers adapted through livelihood diversification, fishing-ground mobility, gear adjustment, seasonal adaptation, and family/community networks. This study highlights the need for asset-based, zone-specific inland fisheries management integrating habitat restoration, financial strengthening, and social capital development.]]>
